The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1887-01-11
BEAuvoIR, Miss. July 6, 1886

BEAuvoIR, Miss. July 6, 1886
Daniel f.. O'Suiivnn-Dcar Sir: The
letters written to me during the war
were NIL lost or stolen about, or soon
after, the close the reports made by army
commanders were, many Of them, cap
tured among the papers Of the adjutant-
general. These and others arc being
published by the United States Govern
ment in the official record Of the "War
OF the Rebellion" From these you will
be able to extract information in regard
to some Of the most eminent 1riShmcn
who served in the Confederate army.
Among the most gollant and distinguish
ed officers in our service was Gen. Pat
Cleburne who fell while gallantly leading
charge at Franklin, Tenn Capt. Michel
a son Of the patriot, John Michel, was
killed weilc serving in the defence Of
Fort Sumter, CHa:ies,ou harbor. Capt.
Atkins, who had scirci in the army .
in the first battle of Manassas served in
the ranks Of Whcat's Louisiana battalion.
For sallantry and good conduct he was
promoted to a vacancy created by the
casualties Of that battle, and served
with great gallantry in subsequent en-
gagements. until he was disabled by
wounds and was placed upon special ser
vice ut Richmond. After n time he was
informed Of the death Of his father and
that the interests Of his property and Of
his family required his return to Ireland.
lie called upon me to the TACT
adding that he would not leave WEIR it
not that the surgeons had told him he
would again be fit for field service.
Before taking his leave, he said when he
reached home he would send his younger
brother to take his place. Notwithstand-
ing the difficulties which then existed on
account Of the blockade, in due time his
brother arrived and reported for duty.
Of the elder Atkins, who died of his
wounds after his return to Ireland, |
have vivid remembrance as he appear
ed near the close Of the battle Of the
first Manassas. He was a man about six
feet four inches high, broad-sholdered,
gaunt-waisted, big boned, and with
every indication Of power and activity.
He was serving in the ranks Of the
Louisiana Tigers. AS 1 rode past a
spring giving a small supply Of water,
and around width the men were gather
ed with cups to catch it rs it drained
out, | saw Atkins: whom | recognized,
because on his arrival he had called
upon me at my office, standing with his
hands crossed on the muzzle Of his rife
with the air Of orc who deficd thirst as
he had danger and fatigue, and he SO
impressed me that | spoke to Major
Wheat commanding the battalion. and
asked him if there was nc place to which
Atkins could be properly assigned. He
told ne there was a vacancy of captain,
to which he thought the company would
would willingly elect him. Suffice it to
say that he fully justified the impression
he had created upon me.
| ain sorry [ have no records to re-
fresh my memory in regard to the Irish
men who performed gallant and valua-
BILE service in our army. They were of
two classes-those who were residing
m the South before the war. and those
who, despite the difficulties Of getting
transportation, came to us to fight for
home rule Game at their own expense,
Joined the army without bounty,
notwithstanding our provcrty and desti-
tuition in all the material Of war, served
with patriotic fidelity and Irish gallantry
whereeYcr they were tried. Al page
236 and following OF Vol. IL of 'The
Rise and Fall OF thc Confederate Govern
you will find a report Of the
battle of Sabine Pass, Texas, where A
men, command by Lieutenant Bowling,
all Of them Irishmen. achieved the most
victory that | believed is to
be found in the annals Of military histo-
ry. Respectfully and truly yours.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.